TEACHERS GUIDE

Cambridge English: Starters Listening Description

Paper
Format
This paper contains four parts.
Timing 20 minutes
No of
Questions
20
Task Types
Carrying out instructions (positioning objects, colouring the correct objects), taking
notes (listening for numbers and spelling), and ticking the correct box under a
picture (multiple choice).
Answering
Candidates indicate answers by matching words and pictures, by drawing a line,
taking notes from a conversation (either names or numbers), ticking the correct
item in a given picture and identifying colours and objects in a given picture.
Marks Each answer carries 1 mark.



Cambridge English: Starters Reading & Writing Description
Paper
Format
This paper contains five parts.
Timing 20 minutes
No of
Questions
25
Task Types
Reading short sentences and recognising words, writing one-word answers, spelling
single words, copying words, reading questions about a picture story and providing
written one-word answers.
Answering
Candidates indicate answers by ticking a box for a statement that matches the
picture given, and a cross if it does not; writing one-word answers to questions
('yes', 'no' or as pertinent); copying the words that match a text from a selection
provided.
Marks Each answer carries 1 mark.

Cambridge English: Starters Speaking Description
Paper
Format
This paper consists of five parts.
Timing Between 3 and 5 minutes.
No of
Questions
Five speaking tasks
Task Types
Understanding and following spoken instructions, answering spoken questions and
responding to personal questions.
Answering
Candidates are required to follow simple instructions, answer simple questions
about a picture and about themselves. Candidates create a good impression when
they can handle greetings and other social formulae confidently such as 'Hello',
'Goodbye' and 'Thank you', 'Sorry', or 'I dont understand'.
Marks
The marks are based on ratings for interactive listening ability, production of words
and phrases, and pronunciation.